Catch Assembly For Releasably Connecting Fluid Conduits

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway; a male coupler having a second passageway; and a catch assembly comprising a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, a catch-biasing member which biases the catch, and a follower responsive to a cam, whereby the catch is responsive to the follower and correspondingly, the cam.

This United States Patent Application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/912,280, filed Mar. 5, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,350,401, issued Jul. 16, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/468,800, filed Mar. 8, 2017, eachhereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, forexample medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connectorsystem, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having afirst passageway; a male coupler having a second passageway; and a catchassembly comprising a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, acatch-biasing member which biases the catch, and a follower responsiveto a cam, whereby the catch is responsive to the follower andcorrespondingly, the cam.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the connector system, whereby female and male couplers are releasablymatably engaged to dispose in a connected condition.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of theconnector system, whereby female and male couplers are releasablymatably engaged to dispose in a connected condition.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a first side view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a second side view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F is a first end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2G is a second end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2H is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 2F.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of theconnector system, whereby female and male couplers are in adjacent axialrelation but are not releasably matably engaged, thus disposing in adisconnected condition.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the connectorsystem shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a first side view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a second side view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3F is a first end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3G is a second end view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 3F.

FIG. 3I is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3J is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a particular embodiment of the connectorsystem, whereby female and male couplers are releasably matably engagedto dispose in a connected condition, and whereby the release elementdisposes in a first position.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5C is a first side view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5D is a first end view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 5D.

FIG. 6A is a top view of a particular embodiment of the connectorsystem, whereby female and male couplers are in adjacent axial relationbut are not releasably matably engaged, thus disposing in a disconnectedcondition, and whereby the release element disposes in a secondposition.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7C is a first side view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7D is a first end view of isolated components of the particularembodiment of the connector system shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 7D.

FIG. 8A is an exploded first side view of isolated components of aparticular embodiment of the connector system.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is an exploded first side view of a particular embodiment of theconnector system.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of theconnector system shown in FIG. 9A.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, which illustrates a method of using aparticular embodiment of a connector system (1) including an inventivecatch assembly (2) for releasably connecting together tubes (3), such asmedical tubing employed in a bio-medical environment. Advantageously,the connector system (1) can be relatively easily and securelyconnected, and yet relatively easily intentionally disconnected.

Generally, the connector system (1) includes a female coupler (4) havinga first passageway (5) and a male coupler (6) having a second passageway(7). Upon releasable matable axial (or longitudinal) coupling of thefemale and male couplers (4)(6) (or, stated more concisely, uponconnection of the female and male couplers (4)(6)), a connectedcondition of the connector system (1) is achieved, disposing the firstand second passageways (5)(7) in fluidic communication to provide afluid flow path (9).

For the purposes of the present invention, a longitudinal direction canbe considered generally parallel to the first passageway (5), the secondpassageway (7), and/or the fluid flow path (9).

Now more specifically, to achieve the connected condition of theconnector system (1), a male coupler matable end (10) of the malecoupler (6) can be matably received within a female coupler inner space(11) of the female coupler (4), whereby the female coupler inner space(11) can be defined by a female coupler inner surface (12) proximate afemale coupler matable end (13) (as shown in the example of FIG. 3A).

The connector system (1) further includes an inventive catch assembly(2) comprising a catch (14) movably coupled to the female coupler (4)and a catch-receiving element (15) coupled to the male coupler (6). Uponconnection of the female and male couplers (4)(6), the catch (14)engages with the catch-receiving element (15) to fix an axial positionof the female coupler (4) in relation to the male coupler (6), therebyachieving the connected condition of the connector system

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “catch” means arestraint which, upon matable engagement with a catch-receiving element(15), can function to partially or completely restrain travel of anassociated component, such as a female coupler (4).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “catch-receivingelement” means a restraint which, upon matable engagement with a catch(14), can function to partially or completely restrain travel of anassociated component, such as a male coupler (6).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2H, FIG. 3H, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A throughFIG. 5E, FIG. 6B, FIG. 7A through FIG. 7E, and FIG. 8A through FIG. 9C,the catch assembly (2) can comprise a catch (14), a catch-biasing member(16) which can bias the catch (14), and a follower (17) which can beresponsive to a cam (18). The catch (14) can be responsive to thefollower (17) and correspondingly, the catch (14) can be responsive tothe cam (18).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “cam” means amovable element in a mechanical linkage, whereby the cam (18) can havean irregular periphery and may be useful in transforming motion, forexample transforming motion in a first direction into motion in a seconddirection.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “follower” means amovable element in a mechanical linkage, whereby movement of thefollower (17) results from movement of the cam (18).

The catch assembly (2) can be movably coupled to the female coupler (4)such that the catch (14) can move inwardly toward or into the femalecoupler inner space (11) as illustrated by the first arrow (19) shown inFIG. 4B, or the catch (14) can move outwardly away from or out of thefemale coupler inner space (11) as illustrated by the second arrow (20)shown in FIG. 6B.

Further, the catch assembly (2) can be movably coupled to the femalecoupler inner surface (12) which defines the female coupler inner space(11). As but one illustrative example, the catch (14) can be movablydisposed within a channel (21) inset within the female coupler innersurface (12), whereby the channel (21) communicates with the femalecoupler inner space (11). When a majority of the catch (14) or theentirety of the catch (14) is received within the channel (21), thecatch (14) can dispose outwardly and away from the female coupler innerspace (11). Conversely, when the catch (14) moves inwardly toward orinto the female coupler inner space (11), a majority of the catch (14)or the entirety of the catch (14) can dispose outside of the channel(21).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 3E, FIG. 3H, and FIG. 8Athrough FIG. 9C, the catch-receiving element (15) can be configured as aretention groove (22) coupled to the male coupler matable end (10). Forexample, the retention groove (22) can be disposed within a male couplerouter surface (23) proximate the male coupler matable end (10).

As to particular embodiments, the retention groove (22) can beconfigured as a circumferential retention groove (22) extending aroundthe male coupler outer surface (23) proximate the male coupler matableend (10).

Thus, upon matable reception of the male coupler matable end (10) withinthe female coupler inner space (11), the retention groove (22) can alignwith the channel (21) and the catch (14) can move outwardly from thechannel (21) and inwardly toward the female coupler inner space (11) forengagement with the retention groove (22), thereby disposing the catch(14) in an engaged condition (24) to fix an axial position of the femalecoupler (4) in relation to the male coupler (6).

In contrast, the catch (14) can move outwardly from the female couplerinner space (11) and into the channel (21) to dispose the catch (14) ina disengaged condition (25) wherein the catch (14) is disengaged fromthe retention groove (22), allowing the female and male couplers (4)(6)to disconnect by axial movement away from one another.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, said another way, thecatch assembly (2) can be movably coupled to the female coupler (4) suchthat the catch (14) can move within a plane (26) which is generallyorthogonal to (i) a longitudinal axis of said female coupler or (ii) thefirst passageway (5). For example, the catch (14) can move verticallywithin the plane (26); for the purposes of the present invention, theterm “vertical” and derivatives thereof means positioned up and downrather than from side to side, whereby “vertical” is not intended to belimiting, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of theinvention, but instead, is intended to provide a directional referencefor the depiction of the connector system (1) shown in the Figures toaid the reader's understanding of the present invention.

Following, upon matable reception of the male coupler matable end (10)within the female coupler inner space (11), the retention groove (22),the channel (21), and the catch (14) can align in the plane (26) toallow movement of the catch (14) outward from the channel (21) andupward in the plane (26) for engagement with the retention groove (22),thereby disposing the catch (14) in the engaged condition (24) to fix anaxial position of the female coupler (4) in relation to the male coupler(6).

On the other hand, the catch (14) can move downwardly in the plane (26)and into the channel (21) to dispose the catch (14) in the disengagedcondition (25) wherein the catch (14) is disengaged from the retentiongroove (22), allowing the female and male couplers (4)(6) to disconnectby axial movement away from one another.

The catch (14) can be normally biased toward the engaged condition (24)(or inwardly toward the female coupler inner space (11) or upwardly inthe plane (26)) by a catch-biasing member (16), as shown in the examplesof FIG. 4A through FIG. 5E. Correspondingly, the catch (14) can benormally biased toward engagement with the retention groove (22).

As but one illustrative example, the catch-biasing member (16) can beconfigured as a springing element (27), such as a resiliently flexiblemember (28) which following flexing, can return toward or to itsoriginal unflexed condition (29).

As to particular embodiments, the resiliently flexible member (28) cancomprise one or more resiliently flexible arms (30) which extendoutwardly (for example, radially outwardly) or downwardly (for example,radially downwardly) from the catch (14) and bear against the femalecoupler inner surface (12). For example, the resiliently flexible arm(s)(30) can bear against a portion of the female coupler inner surface (12)which defines the channel (21). Thus, the resiliently flexible arm(s)(30) can dispose within the channel (21) and further, can be coplanarwith the catch (14) whereby both the catch (14) and the resilientlyflexible arm(s) (30) move within the plane (26).

Hence, when the resiliently flexible member (28) disposes in theunflexed condition (29), which is the normal biased condition, theresiliently flexible member (28) biases the catch (14) toward theengaged condition (24) (or inwardly toward the female coupler innerspace (11) or upwardly in the plane (26)).

Upon forcible urging, the resiliently flexible member (28) can be flexedtoward a flexed condition (31) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 6Athrough FIG. 7E), which allows the catch (14) to move outwardly awayfrom the female coupler inner space (11) or downwardly in the plane (26)to disengage from the catch-receiving element (15) and achieve adisconnected condition of the connector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the catch-biasing member (16) can beconfigured as a living hinge.

As inward or upward movement of the catch (14) for engagement with theretention groove (22) can be facilitated, at least in part, by thecatch-biasing member (16), movement of the catch (14) outward ordownward to disengage the catch (14) from within the retention groove(22) can be facilitated, at least in part, by a release element (32)which can function as a cam (18) configured to actuate the follower (17)and correspondingly, the catch (14). The release element (32) isdescribed in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/410,636 and U.S. patent application No. 15/447,033, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The release element (32) can be movably coupled to the female coupler(4), whereby travel of the release element (32) along or over a femalecoupler outer surface (66) disengages the catch (14) from thecatch-receiving element (15) to achieve the disconnected condition ofthe connector system (1).

For example, linear or sliding motion of the release element (32) alongthe female coupler outer surface (66) can be transformed into movementof the follower (17), whereby this movement of the follower (17) canforcibly urge the catch-biasing member (16) away from the normalunflexed condition (29) and toward the flexed condition (31) to allowthe catch (14) to move outwardly away from the female coupler innerspace (11) or downwardly in the plane (26) to disengage from theretention groove (22).

Thus, the follower (17) can be operably coupled to the catch-biasingmember (16) and correspondingly, the catch (14). Additionally, thefollower (17) can be movably coupled to the female coupler (4) proximatethe female coupler outer surface (66). For example, the follower (17)can be movably disposed within an opening (33) defined by the femalecoupler outer surface (66) (as shown in the example of FIG. 9A), wherebythe opening (33) can be sufficiently configured to allow movement of thefollower (17) through the opening (33) and inward toward the femalecoupler inner space (11) or downward in the plane (26), or outward awayfrom the female coupler inner space (11) or upward in the plane (26).Further, the follower (17) can be movably coupled to the female coupler(4) beneath the release element (32).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4B, FIG. 5E, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 7E, arelease element inner surface (34), which disposes proximate (oradjacent) the female coupler outer surface (66), can provide a camsurface (35) having a locking surface (36) and an unlocking surface(37), both of which can separately interact with or directly contact thefollower (17) to result in movement of the catch (14).

The unlocking surface (37) extends downwardly toward the female couplerouter surface (66) a greater distance than the locking surface (36),thereby disposing the unlocking surface (37) closer to the femalecoupler outer surface (66) than the locking surface (36). Said anotherway, the locking surface (36) extends upwardly away from the femalecoupler outer surface (66) a greater distance than the unlocking surface(37), thereby disposing the locking surface (36) farther from the femalecoupler outer surface (66) than the unlocking surface (37).

Correspondingly, movement of the cam surface (35) over the follower (17)to align (or contact) the locking surface (36) with the follower (17)allows the catch (14) to be biased inwardly or upwardly by thecatch-biasing member (16) toward engagement with the retention groove(22) to achieve the connected condition of the connector system (1).Conversely, movement of the cam surface (35) over the follower (17) toalign (or contact) the unlocking surface (37) with the follower (17)biases the catch-biasing member (16) toward the flexed condition (31),accordingly biasing the catch (14) outwardly or downwardly and away fromthe retention groove (22), thereby permitting the catch (14) todisengage from the retention groove (22) to achieve the disengagedcondition (25).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2H, FIG. 3H, and FIG. 4A through FIG.5E, a release element-biasing member (38), for example a resilientlycompressible member (39), can bias the release element (32) toward arelease element first position (40) when in a non-compressed condition(41), which is the normal biased condition. When in the release elementfirst position (40), the locking surface (36) aligns with (or contacts)the follower (17) and correspondingly biases the catch (14) inwardly orupwardly and toward engagement with the retention groove (22) to achievethe connected condition of the connector system (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6A through FIG. 7E, upon forcibleurging, the resiliently compressible member (39) can be compressedtoward a compressed condition (42), disposing the release element (32)in a release element second position (43) in which the unlocking surface(37) aligns with (or contacts) the follower (17), biasing thecatch-biasing member (16) toward the flexed condition (31), allowing thecatch (17) to move outwardly away from the retention groove (22) toachieve the disconnected condition of the connector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the catch (14), the catch-biasing member(16), and the follower (17) can be integrated to provide acatch-assembly (2) which (i) can be a one-piece construct or (ii) can beformed as a one-piece construct. Said another way, the catch (14), thecatch-biasing member (16), and the follower (17) can be integrallyformed, meaning connected together so as to make up a single completepiece or unit, or so as to work together as a single complete piece orunit, and so as to be incapable of being easily dismantled withoutdestroying the integrity of the piece or unit.

As to particular embodiments, the catch assembly (2) can comprise anannular member (44), whereby a first portion (45) of the annular member(44) can provide the catch (14) and an opposing second portion (46) ofthe annular member (44) can provide the follower (17). As to thisparticular embodiment, the catch-biasing member (16) can extendoutwardly from the first portion (45) of the annular member (44) whichprovides the catch (14).

As to particular embodiments, the annular member (44) can be movablycoupled to the female coupler (4) such that the catch (14) can moveinwardly toward or into the female coupler inner space (11) asillustrated by the first arrow (19) shown in FIG. 4B, or the catch (14)can move outwardly away from or out of the female coupler inner space(11) as illustrated by the second arrow (20) shown in FIG. 6B.

Further, the annular member (44) can be movably coupled to the femalecoupler inner surface (12) which defines the female coupler inner space(11). As but one illustrative example, the annular member (44) can bemovably disposed within the channel (21) inset within the female couplerinner surface (12).

Thus, upon matable reception of the male coupler matable end (10) withinthe female coupler inner space (11), the male coupler matable end (10)can pass through an annular member opening defined by the annular member(44) to achieve the connected condition of the connector system (1);correspondingly, the fluid flow path (9) can pass through the annularmember opening.

First Valve

As to particular embodiments, the connector system (1) can furtherinclude at least one conduit (47)(48) and at least one valve (49)(50)operable to interrupt fluid flow through the conduit (47)(48).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2H and FIG. 3H, the female coupler (4)can include a first conduit (47) defining a first passageway (5) (whichas to particular embodiments, may include a fixed or removable filter)and a first valve (49) operable to interrupt fluid flow through thefirst passageway (5). The first valve (49) can be movable within a firstvalve seat (51) to sealably occlude a first port (52) in fluidcommunication with the first passageway (5), thereby providing a firstpassageway closed condition (53) in which fluid flow through the firstport (52) and accordingly, through the first passageway (5), isinterrupted.

The first valve (49) can be biased by a first valve-biasing member (54)which biases the first valve (49) toward a first valve closed position(55) in which the first valve (49) sealably occludes the first port(52), for example by sealably overlaying the first port (52), to providethe first passageway closed condition (53).

The first valve (49) and the first valve-biasing member (54) aredescribed in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/410,636 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/447,033, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Second Valve

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2H and FIG. 3H, the male coupler (6)can include a second conduit (48) defining a second passageway (7)(which as to particular embodiments, may include a fixed or removablefilter) and a second valve (50) operable to interrupt fluid flow throughthe second passageway (7).

The second valve (50) can be movable within a second valve seat (56) tosealably occlude a second port (57) in fluid communication with thesecond passageway (7), thereby providing a second passageway closedcondition (58) in which fluid flow through the second port (57) andaccordingly, through the second passageway (7), is interrupted.

The second valve (50) can be biased by a second valve-biasing member(59) which biases the second valve (50) toward a second valve closedposition (60) in which the second valve (50) sealably occludes thesecond port (57), for example by sealably overlaying the second port(57), to provide the second passageway closed condition (58).

The second valve (50) and the second valve-biasing member (59) aredescribed in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/410,636 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/447,033, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Tubing

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, as to particular embodiments, theconnector system (1), as described above, can further include at leastone tube (3) coupled to a connector system end (61)(62), which can beconfigured as a barb (63). Accordingly, the tube (3) can engage with thebarb (63), for example via frictional engagement about the barb (63), tosecurely couple the tube (3) to the connector system (1). As toparticular embodiments, a first tube (64) can be coupled to connectorsystem first end (61) and a second tube (65) can be coupled to theconnector system second end (62), wherein the connector system (1)functions to fluidicly connect the first and second tubes (64)(65).

As to other particular embodiments, the connector system first and/orsecond ends (61)(62) can be configured as a luer lock fitting, athreaded fitting which can be threaded externally or internally, or anyconventional or non-conventional end fitting which may be useful forcoupling a tube (3) to a connector system end (61)(62).

As to other particular embodiments, the connector system first and/orsecond ends (61)(62) can be configured as a flange which may be usefulfor coupling a tube (3) to a connector system end (61)(62).

A method of making a particular embodiment of a connector system (1) forreleasably connecting tubes (3) can include providing a female coupler(4) having a first passageway (5); providing a male coupler (6) having asecond passageway (7); and providing a catch assembly (2) including acatch (14) movably coupled to the female coupler (4), a catch-biasingmember (16) which biases the catch (14), and a follower (17) responsiveto a cam (18); whereby the catch (14) is responsive to the follower (17)and correspondingly, the cam (18).

The method of making the connector system (1) can further includeproviding additional components of the connector system (1) as describedabove and in the claims.

Components of the connector system (1) can be formed from one or more ofany of a numerous and wide variety of materials capable of providing afunctional connector system (1). By way of illustrative example, thematerial can include or consist of: rubber, rubber-like material,plastic, plastic-like material, acrylic, polyamide, polyester,polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride-based materials,silicone-based materials, or the like, or combinations thereof.Additional illustrative examples can include polymeric materials orresins, for example thermoplastics, such as acrylic, nylon,polybenzimidazole, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, or the like, or combinations thereof;thermosets, such as polyester fiberglass, polyurethanes, rubber,polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, urea-formaldehyde foam, melamineresin, epoxy resin, polyimides, cynate esters, polycyanurates, polyesterresin, or the like, or combinations thereof; elastomers, such as naturalpolyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloropene rubber,butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylenepropylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, siliconerubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers,polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinylacetate, thermal plastic elastomer (TPE), or the like, or combinationsthereof.

As to particular embodiments, one or more components of the connectorsystem (1) can be formed from an antibacterial material(s).

As to particular embodiments, one or more components of the connectorsystem (1) can be formed entirety from non-metallic material(s).

Additionally, components of the connector system (1) can be producedfrom any of a wide variety of processes depending upon the application,such as press molding, injection molding, fabrication, machining,printing, additive printing, or the like, or combinations thereof, asone piece or assembled from a plurality of pieces into a component ofthe connector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, one or more components of the connectorsystem (1) can be disposable or reusable, depending upon theapplication.

A method of using a particular embodiment of a connector system (1) forreleasably connecting tubes (3) can include obtaining the connectorsystem (1) as above described, coupling a first tube (64) to the femalecoupler (4); coupling a second tube (65) to the male coupler (6); andreleasably coupling the female and male couplers (4)(6) to achieve theconnected condition of the connector system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include flowingfluid through the fluid flow path (9).

As to particular embodiments, the method can further include forciblyurging the release element (32) to travel along the female coupler outersurface (66) to disengage the catch (14) from the catch-receivingelement (15) to achieve the disconnected condition of the connectorsystem (1).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a connector systemand methods for making and using such a connector system, including thebest mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “connector” shouldbe understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “connecting”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “connecting”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “connector” and even a “meansfor connecting”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are tobe understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “coupled”or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directlycoupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, dependingupon the embodiment.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the connector systems herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1-70. (canceled)
 71. A connector system for releasably connecting tubes,comprising: a female coupler; and a catch assembly comprising: a catchmovably coupled to said female coupler; a catch-biasing membercomprising a pair of resiliently flexible arms which outwardly extendfrom said catch; and a follower responsive to a cam; said catchresponsive to said follower and correspondingly, said cam; and saidcatch assembly comprising a one-piece construct.
 72. The connectorsystem of claim 71, wherein said catch, said catch-biasing member, andsaid follower are formed as said one-piece construct.
 73. The connectorsystem of claim 71, wherein catch assembly comprises an annular member.74. The connector system of claim 73, wherein said annular membercomprises a first portion which provides said catch and an opposingsecond portion which provides said follower.
 75. The connector system ofclaim 74, wherein said catch-biasing member outwardly extends from saidfirst portion of said annular member which provides said catch.
 76. Theconnector system of claim 71, wherein said catch assembly comprises amonolithic construct.
 77. The connector system of claim 71, said pair ofresiliently flexible arms outwardly extending from said catch inopposing directions.
 78. The connector system of claim 71, saidcatch-biasing member disposed opposite said follower.
 79. The connectorsystem of claim 71, further comprising: a male coupler; and acatch-receiving element coupled to said male coupler; wherein uponreleasable matable axial coupling of said female and male couplers, saidcatch engages with said catch-receiving element to fix an axial positionof said female coupler in relation to said male coupler.
 80. A connectorsystem for releasably connecting tubes, comprising: a female coupler;and a catch assembly comprising: a catch movably coupled to said femalecoupler; a catch-biasing member comprising a pair of resilientlyflexible arms which outwardly extend from said catch; and a followerresponsive to a cam; said catch responsive to said follower andcorrespondingly, said cam; and said catch movably coupled to said femalecoupler such that said catch is capable of: inward movement toward afemale coupler inner space defined by a female coupler inner surface ofsaid female coupler; and outward movement away from said female couplerinner space.
 81. The connector system of claim 80, wherein said catch ismovably coupled to said female coupler inner surface.
 82. The connectorsystem of claim 81, wherein said catch is movably disposed within achannel inset within said female coupler inner surface; and wherein saidchannel communicates with said female couple inner space.
 83. Theconnector system of claim 82, further comprising: a male coupler; and acatch-receiving element coupled to said male coupler; wherein uponreleasable matable axial coupling of said female and male couplers, saidcatch engages with said catch-receiving element to fix an axial positionof said female coupler in relation to said male coupler.
 84. Theconnector system of claim 83, wherein said catch-receiving elementcomprises a retention groove disposed within a male coupler outersurface proximate said male coupler matable end.
 85. The connectorsystem of claim 84, wherein upon releasable matable axial coupling ofsaid female and male couplers, said retention groove aligns with saidchannel to allow said catch to move outwardly from said channel andinwardly toward said female coupler inner space for engagement with saidretention groove to dispose said catch in an engaged condition to fixsaid axial position of said female coupler in relation to said malecoupler.
 86. The connector system of claim 85, wherein said catch ismovably coupled to said female coupler such that said catch is capableof movement within in a plane which is generally orthogonal to alongitudinal axis of said female coupler.
 87. The connector system ofclaim 86, wherein upon releasable matable axial coupling of said femaleand male couplers, said retention groove, said channel, and said catchalign in said plane to allow said catch to move outwardly from saidchannel and upwardly in said plane for engagement with said retentiongroove to dispose said catch in said engaged condition to fix said axialposition of said female coupler in relation to said male coupler. 88.The connector system of claim 87, wherein said catch-biasing membernormally biases said catch inwardly toward said female coupler innerspace or upwardly in said plane.
 89. A connector system for releasablyconnecting tubes, comprising: a female coupler; and a catch assemblycomprising: a catch movably coupled to said female coupler; acatch-biasing member comprising a pair of resiliently flexible armswhich outwardly extend from said catch; and a follower responsive to acam; said catch responsive to said follower and correspondingly, saidcam; and said cam provided by a release element which is movably coupledto said female coupler.
 90. The connector system of claim 89, furthercomprising: a male coupler; and a catch-receiving element coupled tosaid male coupler; wherein upon releasable matable axial coupling ofsaid female and male couplers, said catch engages with saidcatch-receiving element to fix an axial position of said female couplerin relation to said male coupler.